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Easy Crispy Baked Chicken Nuggets Recipe

4.6 from 98 reviews

These Easy Crispy Baked Chicken Nuggets are a healthier, delicious alternative to fried nuggets. With a buttery, garlicky panko coating, they bake crispy and golden in the oven, making them perfect for a quick, family-friendly meal or snack.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Nuggets

  • 1 1/2 pounds chicken breast, cubed
  • 1/2 cup melted butter
  • 1 teaspoon garlic salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley or 1 tablespoon parsley flakes
  • 1 cup Panko bread crumbs

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to get it ready for baking the chicken nuggets to a perfect crisp.
  2. Prepare the Chicken: Cube the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, ensuring they are uniform for even cooking.
  3. Mix Coating Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the melted butter, garlic salt, black pepper, and parsley, mixing well to create a flavorful coating for the chicken.
  4. Coat the Chicken: Toss the chicken cubes in the butter and seasoning mixture until fully coated.
  5. Add Panko Crumbs: Transfer the coated chicken pieces to a separate bowl or plate with the panko bread crumbs and press gently to cover all sides evenly.
  6. Arrange for Baking: Place the breaded chicken nuggets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a lightly greased rack to allow air circulation underneath.
  7. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through to ensure even browning and crispiness.
  8. Check for Doneness: Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before removing from the oven.
  9. Serve: Let the nuggets cool for a few minutes before serving them with your favorite dipping sauces.

Notes

  • You can substitute parsley flakes with other herbs like thyme or oregano for different flavors.
  • For extra crispiness, broil the nuggets for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking but watch carefully to prevent burning.
  • Use a wire rack on the baking sheet to promote even crisping by allowing heat to circulate under the nuggets.
  • Leftover nuggets can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven to maintain their crispiness.
  • Using panko breadcrumbs is key to the extra crunchy texture.

Keywords: baked chicken nuggets, crispy chicken nuggets, healthy chicken nuggets, oven baked nuggets, easy chicken nugget recipe